Hotels in downtown Boston are just steps away from many of the city's major attractions, making them the perfect place to stay on vacations to this fascinating destination. The world-class city of Boston is a great spot for fine dining, sailing and water activities, and a rich historical heritage dating to before the American Revolution, and staying near downtown is one of the best ways to take advantage of what the city has to offer. Among the excellent hotels near downtown Boston, two of the most popular are the Parker House Hotel and the Onyx Hotel.

If you want to experience firsthand the history of the Boston hospitality industry, look no further than the Omni Parker House Hotel (pictured), one of the finest hotels in downtown Boston. The oldest continuously operated hotel in America, the Parker House has in its past harbored famous American literary figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, as well as famous novelists and cultural figures from Great Britain such as Charles Dickens. Other notables who have either worked or stayed at this leader in Boston downtown hotels include Communist Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh, Malcolm X, and the John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated President Lincoln.

Founded by Harvey D. Parker in 1854, the Parker House offered the best of downtown Boston accommodation in its day. Not only was the hotel elegantly appointed and the pinnacle of luxurious accommodation, but the restaurant was recognized as a world-class dining establishment that mixed the best of European cuisine with the emerging New England cuisine, a unique feature among Boston downtown hotels. Cultural icons such as the Boston Cream Pie and the famous Parker Rolls were created and popularized in the Parker House's restaurant. Today the Parker House continues its history of excellent service, luxury accommodation, and world-class cuisine. Among the Boston downtown hotels, it is one of the most centrally located, just steps from the Freedom Trail and within walking distance of many other attractions such as Quincy Market, Beacon Hill, and Faneuil Hall.

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Another option for downtown Boston accommodation is the trendy Onyx Hotel, located just a few minutes' walk from the TD Garden, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to take in a Boston Celtics game. This sophisticated boutique hotel is one of the most popular four-star luxury hotels in downtown Boston, with luxurious rooms decorated in lush fabrics, organic Gilchrist and Soames bath products, and animal-print bathrobes. The Onyx hotel's spa program offers a range of in-room spa services, including massages, facials, and manicures. The relaxation provided by the spa services is the perfect end to a strenuous day of sightseeing. For those who are athletically inclined, a 24-hour fitness room is available to guests. Kids' programs, romantic getaways, and family vacation packages are also available. For a sophisticated dining experience, the Onyx Hotel has the Ruby Room, one of the most elegant restaurants in the city. The black granite bar, fiber-optic lighting, variety of cocktails and small plates makes the Ruby Room one of the coolest dining experiences in the city. A curved wooden wall separates the restaurant from the hotel lobby, making it accessible anytime for a relaxing drink.

For the best in downtown Boston accommodation, the Parker House Hotel and the Onyx Hotel offer two distinctive experiences, with the Parker offering a glimpse into Boston's history, and the Onyx one of the most chic and modern hubs of local hospitality. Downtown Boston also has the advantage of offering a variety of types of accommodations, meaning travelers who are interested in boutique hotels can choose options such as the Nine Zero Hotel, while those seeking a familiar chain can seek out the InterContinental or the Mariott, both of which have convenient locations. No matter what type of lodging you're looking for, downtown Boston is sure to having something to suit your taste and budget.